Body support that promotes upright posture

ABSTRACT

A body support ( 10 ) for supporting a user above a support surface ( 12 ) includes a support member ( 16 ) that is formed from a resilient material. The support member ( 16 ) includes a substantially flat first surface ( 18 ) and a substantially flat second surface ( 20 ) that is angled relative to the first surface ( 18 ). One of the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 20 ) can have a continuously curved perimeter. The first surface ( 18 ) has a first surface area and the second surface ( 20 ) has a second surface area that can be similar to the first surface area. The support member ( 16 ) includes a third surface ( 22 ) having a first region ( 23 ) that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 20 ), and a second region ( 25 ) that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 20 ). The support member ( 16 ) can be substantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane ( 28 ) that is positioned between the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 20 ). One of the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 20 ) is substantially circular or elliptical in shape.

BACKGROUND

Various forms of yoga and meditation have recently gained acceptancewithin today's society. In particular, the pursuit of good body posturehas become increasingly important. Maintaining an upright posture whileseated or in other positions can alleviate or avoid pain in a person'sback, neck, legs, and other parts of the body. Unfortunately, duringfloor exercises such as Pilates, meditation, yoga, stretching and otherexercises, it is very common to slump while seated, resulting in anincrease in the incidence and the extent of acute body aches and pains.Additionally, a hunching position while seated can promote poor posturewhile in other positions, and can bring about undesirable overallposture habits. Habitual slouching can also cause chronic pain anddiscomfort, which can result in emotional issues such as increasedirritability and moodiness.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a body support for supporting auser above a support surface. In certain embodiments, the body supportincludes a support member that is formed from a resilient material. Thesupport member can include a substantially flat first surface and asubstantially flat second surface. The first surface is adapted to bepositioned adjacent to the support surface. The second surface isspaced-apart from and angled relative to the first surface. In someembodiments, one of the first surface and the second surface has acontinuously curved perimeter.

In another embodiment, the first surface has a first surface area andthe second surface has a second surface area that is substantiallysimilar to the first surface area. In still other embodiments, thesupport member includes a third surface that extends between the firstsurface and the second surface. In one embodiment, the third surfaceincludes a first region that is approximately perpendicular to the firstsurface and the second surface. The third surface also includes a secondregion that is non-perpendicular to both the first surface and thesecond surface.

In various embodiments, the support member is formed substantially froma memory foam material. The support member can be substantiallysymmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that is positioned betweenthe first surface and the second surface. Additionally, oralternatively, the support member has a maximum height and a minimumheight, with each height being measured in a direction directly betweenthe second surface and the support surface when the first surface islying flat on the support surface. In some embodiments, the minimumheight is at least 50 percent of the maximum height. In one embodiment,the third surface can have a substantially circular cross-sectionalshape. In certain embodiments, one of the first surface and the secondsurface is substantially elliptical in shape. In other embodiments, thefirst surface and the second surface are each circular in shape. In someembodiments, a cross-section of the support member has an isoscelestrapezoidal configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a partial cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of abody support having features of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a top view of a portion of the body support illustrated inFIG. 1A, including a support member;

FIG. 1C is a side view of a portion of the body support illustrated inFIG. 1A, including a support member;

FIG. 1D is a side view of a user and the body support illustrated inFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the bodysupport taken on line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the bodysupport taken on line 1F-1F in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of thebody support including the support member having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the bodysupport taken on line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the bodysupport taken on line 2C-2C in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a portion ofthe body support including the support member having features of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the bodysupport taken on line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the bodysupport taken on line 3C-3C in FIG. 3A.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a body support 10and a support surface 12. The body support 10 at least partially, if notfully, supports a user during various activities. These activities caninclude physical or mental exercises such as yoga, Pilates, stretching,meditation, or any other suitable exercise. The support surface 12 canbe any surface that can support the body support, including withoutlimitation, a floor, the ground, a chair, a bench, or any othersufficiently sturdy surface.

The design of the body support 10 can vary. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A, the body support 10 includes a partially cutawaysupport cover 14 and a support member 16. The support cover 14 partiallyor completely encircles the support member 16. The support cover 14 canbe fixedly attached to the support member 16. For example, the supportcover 14 can be secured to the support member 16 with an adhesivematerial, with thread or other stitching, or by any other suitablematerial. Alternatively, the support cover 14 can be removable from thesupport member 16. In certain embodiments, the support cover 14 caninclude one or more securers 17 such as a zipper (not shown) or a hookand loop-type fastener (not shown) that allows the support cover 14 tobe removed for cleaning and/or to change the appearance or texture ofthe body support 10. Each securer 17 can be hidden, such as by includinga flap that covers the securer 17, or the securer 17 can be exposed asrequired to suit the design requirements of the body support 10.

The support cover 14 can be formed from a variety of different textilesor other materials. As non-exclusive examples, the support cover 14 canbe formed from fabrics or other textiles such as microfiber, cotton,polyester materials, wool, leather, suede, or any other suitablematerial. Further, the material used to form the support cover 14 canhave any solid color(s) or pattern. In an alternative embodiment, thebody support 10 does not include a support cover 14.

The support member 16 supports the weight of a user above the supportsurface 12. The support member 16 can be formed from any suitablysupportive material(s), including various types of foam materials, e.g.,memory foam or other plastics. Alternatively, the support member 16 canbe formed from certain rubber materials or any other suitably resilientmaterial. Still alternatively, the support member 16 can be formed froma non-resilient material.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the support member 16 has afirst surface 18 (illustrated partially in phantom), a second surface 20and a third surface 22 that is positioned between and intersects thefirst surface 18 and the second surface 20. In this embodiment, thefirst surface 18 is substantially flat and is positioned adjacent to orin contact with the support surface 12. The second surface 20 is alsosubstantially flat and is positioned on an opposing side of the supportmember 16 from the first surface 18 so that the second surface 20 is notadjacent to nor in contact with the support surface 12. In variousembodiments, the second surface 20 is angled relative to the firstsurface 18, as described in greater detail below. Stated another way,the second surface 20 is non-parallel with the first surface 18, andthus, is also non-parallel with the support surface 12 when the firstsurface 18 is lying substantially flat relative to the support surface12.

The cross-sectional shape of the third surface 22 can vary. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the third surface can havesubstantially circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the thirdsurface 22 can have any suitable non-circular cross-sectional shape. Forexample, the cross-sectional shape of the third surface 22 can beelliptical.

It is recognized that in the embodiments of the body support 10 thatinclude the support cover 14, that the portion of the support cover 14in contact with the first surface 18 will contact the support surface 12rather than the first surface 18 itself. However, it should also berecognized that for ease of discussion, when the first surface 18 issaid to contact the support surface 12, it is understood that this canbe interpreted that the contact can be between the support surface 12and the first surface 18, or between the support surface 12 and theportion of the support cover 14 that is in contact with the firstsurface 18.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, during use the user can sit,stand or kneel on the second surface 20 while the first surface 18 is incontact with the support surface 12. Because the second surface 20 isnon-parallel with the first surface 18 and the support surface 12, theuser is tilted relative to the support surface 12. As provided herein,depending upon the orientation of the user relative to the body support10, a particular body posture can be imposed upon the user which isbeneficial for relieving stress on the back, neck and/or other bodyparts of the user.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a portion of the support member 16 of the bodysupport 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, the support cover 14(illustrated in FIG. 1A) of the body support 10 has been omitted forillustrative purposes. In certain embodiments, the first surface 18(shown partially in phantom in FIG. 1B) and the second surface 20 aresubstantially similar in shape and size. For example, in one embodiment,the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 have perimeters that aresubstantially circular in shape. Alternatively, the first surface 18and/or the second surface 20 can have perimeters that are elliptical inshape. Still alternatively, the first surface 18 and/or the secondsurface 20 can have any other suitable continuously curvedconfigurations.

In other embodiments, the first surface 18 and/or the second surface 20can have any other suitable configuration that combines both linear andcurved portions. In one embodiment, the first surface 18 and the secondsurface 20 are substantially similar or identical in shape and size.Thus, in this embodiment, the first surface 18 has a first surface areaand the second surface 20 has a second surface area that issubstantially similar or identical to the first surface area. As usedherein, the term “substantially similar” is construed as within thedegree of error that can exist within normal manufacturing tolerancesfor two surfaces that are intended to have the same shape and size.

Further, as illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 1B, the first surface18 and the second surface 20 are not directly aligned with one another,as explained in greater detail below. In other words, the first surface18 and the second surface 20 are offset from one another. As a result ofthis offset, the body support 10 tends to lean slightly under the weightof a user, which requires the user to compensate by leaning slightly inan opposing direction, thereby promoting improved posture by the user,as explained below.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the third surface 22 includesat least one first region 23 (two first regions 23 are illustrated inFIG. 1B) and at least one second region 25 (two second regions 25 areillustrated in FIG. 1B). The first region 23 of the third surface 22 issubstantially perpendicular to the first surface 18 and/or the secondsurface 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The second region 25 of the thirdsurface 22 is not perpendicular to the first surface 18 and the secondsurface 20.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the support member 16 of the body support 10illustrated in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C, the support member 16 is illustratedin a different orientation from that shown in FIG. 1A, with the thirdsurface 22 in contact with the support surface 12 for purpose ofdiscussion. In certain embodiments, the third surface 22 varies in widthso that the third surface 22 has a maximum width 24 and a minimum width26 is different from the maximum width 24. In FIG. 1C, the third surface22 is contacting the support surface 12 at or near the maximum width 24of the third surface. The minimum width 26 is opposite the maximum width24, e.g., at the top of FIG. 1C.

In one embodiment, the minimum width 26 of the third surface 22 isapproximately one-half of the maximum width 24 of the third surface 22.In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the minimum width 26 is atleast approximately 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the maximum width 24depending upon the desired slope of the second surface 20 of the bodysupport 10 relative to the support surface 12 when used in theorientation illustrated in FIG. 1A.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the support member 16 has alatitudinal plane 28 (shown as dashed line which extends into the page)positioned between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20. Incertain embodiments, the support member 16 is substantially symmetricalrelative to the latitudinal plane 28. Stated another way, thelatitudinal plane 28 effectively bisects the support member 16 into twosubstantially equal halves, (i) one half including the first surface 18and one-half of the third surface 22, and (ii) another half includingthe second surface 20 and the other half of the third surface 22. Withthis design, the body support 10 is substantially identical relative tothe user regardless of whether the first surface 18 or the secondsurface 20 is in contact with the support surface 12. As used herein,the term “substantially symmetrical” is construed as within the degreeof error that can exist within normal manufacturing tolerances.

In certain embodiments, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20are each angled relative to the latitudinal plane 28. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1C, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20are each angled relative to the latitudinal plane 28 to a substantiallysimilar degree. For example, assuming the latitudinal plane isperpendicular to the support surface 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1C, inone embodiment, the first surface 18 forms an interior angle 30F withthe support surface 12 that is at least approximately 60 degrees butless than 90 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, theinterior angle 30F is at least approximately 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 88degrees. Stated another way, the first surface 18 forms an exteriorangle 32F with the support surface 12 that is greater than 90 degrees,but not greater than approximately 120 degrees. In non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the exterior angle 32F is not greater thanapproximately 115, 110, 105, 100, 95 or 92 degrees.

Somewhat similarly, in one embodiment, the second surface 20 forms aninterior angle 30S with the support surface 12 that is at leastapproximately 60 degrees but less than 90 degrees. In non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the interior angle 30S is at leastapproximately 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 88 degrees. Stated another way, thesecond surface 20 forms an exterior angle 32S with the support surface12 that is greater than 90 degrees but not greater than approximately120 degrees. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the exteriorangle 32S is not greater than approximately 115, 110, 105, 100, 95 or 92degrees. In certain embodiments, the interior angle 30F of the firstsurface 18 is substantially similar or identical to the interior angle30S of the second surface 20. Alternatively, the first surface 18 andthe second surface 20 can be angled relative to the latitudinal plane todiffering degrees.

Further, as illustrated in the embodiment in FIGS. 1A-1C, the thirdsurface 22 is continuously curved around a perimeter of the supportmember 16. In this embodiment, the body support 10 can be positionedwith the third surface 22 against the support surface 10 so that theuser can use the body support 10 as a curved support for the user's headand neck during exercises. Additionally, the user can grip the bodysupport 10 when in the body support 10 is in the position illustrated inFIG. 1C, and can use the body support 10 for stability and balancingexercises which force the user to remain stable to resist losing of theuser's balance due to rolling of the body support 10 under the weight ofthe user.

FIG. 1D is a side view of a user 50 and the support member 16 of thebody support 10 illustrated in FIG. 1C, shown in a similar orientationas that illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the second surface20 is angled relative to the support surface 12 and the first surface18. In one embodiment, the second surface 20 forms a surface angle 34with the first surface 18 that is at least approximately 5 degrees. Innon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the second surface 20 forms asurface angle 34 with the first surface 18 that is at leastapproximately 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 or 60 degrees depending upon the designrequirements of the body support 10.

In this embodiment, the support member 16 has a core height 27 thatvaries. As used herein, the core height 27 is defined as the minimumdistance between a point on the second surface 20 and the supportsurface 12 when the first surface 18 is lying substantially flat on thesupport surface 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D, thesupport member 16 has a minimum core height 27 _(MIN) and a maximum coreheight 27 _(MAX). In this embodiment, the minimum core height 27 _(MIN)roughly correlates with a point where the minimum width 26 of the thirdsurface 22 intersects the second surface 20. The maximum core height 27_(MAX) roughly correlates with a point where the maximum width 24 of thethird surface 22 intersects the second surface 20.

Further, in this embodiment, the minimum core height 27 _(MIN) of thesupport member 16 is approximately one-half of the maximum core height27 _(MAX) of the support member. In non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the minimum core height 27 _(MIN) is at least approximately50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the maximum core height 27 _(MAX) dependingupon the desired slope of the second surface 20 of the body support 10relative to the support surface 12 when used in the orientationillustrated in FIG. 1A.

In operation, the user can sit, stand or kneel, for example, on the bodysupport 10 so that the user is roughly facing a direction toward theminimum core height 27 _(MIN) of the support member 16. For example,when the user is sitting in a standard lotus position, the supportmember 16 is downwardly sloped in the direction that the user is facing,as illustrated in FIG. 1D. In this position, the user is encouraged tosit in a more erect manner, promoting improved spinal curvature andbetter posture. However, other orientations of the body support 10 canbe used, and the foregoing example is provided as just onerepresentative position of many possible positions that can be utilizedby the user.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the support member 16 of the bodysupport 10 taken on line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto a direction between the maximum core height 27 _(MAX) (illustrated inFIG. 1D) and the minimum core height 27 _(MIN) (illustrated in FIG. 1D)is substantially rectangular in shape.

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the support member 16 of the bodysupport 10 taken on line 1F-1F in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 27_(MAX) and the minimum core height 27 _(MIN) is substantiallytrapezoidal in shape. In one embodiment, the cross-section taken in adirection between the maximum core height 27 _(MAX) (illustrated in FIG.1D) and the minimum core height 27 _(MIN) (illustrated in FIG. 1D) hasan isosceles trapezoidal shape.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of thebody support 210, including a support member 216. In this embodiment,the first surface 218 is substantially circular in shape. The secondsurface 220 is also substantially circular in shape. However, in thisembodiment, although the surfaces 218, 220 are mathematically similar toone another, the circle defined by the second surface 220 is smallerthan the circle defined by the first surface 218. Stated another way, inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first surface 218 has asurface area that is greater than a surface area of the second surface220. However, in this embodiment, the second surface 220 is still angledrelative to the first surface 218 so that the surfaces 218, 220 arenon-parallel relative to one another.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the support member 216 of the bodysupport 210 taken on line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto a direction between the maximum core height 227 _(MAX) (illustratedin FIG. 2A) and the minimum core height 227 _(MIN) (illustrated in FIG.2A) is substantially trapezoidal in shape. In one embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto a direction between the maximum core height 227 _(MAX) and theminimum core height 227 _(MIN) has an isosceles trapezoidal shape.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the support member 216 of the bodysupport 210 taken on line 2C-2C in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 227_(MAX) (illustrated in FIG. 2A) and the minimum core height 227 _(MIN)(illustrated in FIG. 2A) is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of thebody support 310, including a support member 316. In this embodiment,the first surface 318 is substantially elliptical in shape. The secondsurface 320 is substantially circular in shape. Further, in thisembodiment, the second surface 320 has a diameter 336 that issubstantially similar in length to a minor axis 338 of the first surface318. The diameter 336 of the second surface 320 is shorter in lengththan a major axis 340 of the first surface 318. Thus, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3A, the first surface 318 has a surface area that isgreater than a surface area of the second surface 320. In thisembodiment, the second surface 320 is still angled relative to the firstsurface 318 so that the surfaces 318, 320 are non-parallel relative toone another.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the support member 316 of the bodysupport 310 taken on line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto a direction between the maximum core height 327 _(MAX) (illustratedin FIG. 3A) and the minimum core height 327 _(MIN) (illustrated in FIG.3A) is substantially rectangular in shape.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the support member 316 of the bodysupport 310 taken on line 3C-3C in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, thecross-section taken in a direction between the maximum core height 327_(MAX) (illustrated in FIG. 3A) and the minimum core height 327 _(MIN)(illustrated in FIG. 3A) is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

It is recognized that the embodiments illustrated and described hereinare not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.Further it is understood that the specific shapes of the first surface18 and the second surface 20 can be varied from those shown herein. Byway of non-exclusive examples of such a variance, both the first surface18 and the second surface 20 can be elliptical in shape, or the firstsurface 18 can be square, rectangular, triangular or some otherpolygonal shape, while the second surface 20 can be circular,elliptical, or can have another continuously curved configuration, forexample.

It is further recognized that certain features from one particularembodiment described herein can be included on any other embodiment ofthe present invention, although not specifically described orillustrated herein.

While the particular body supports 10 as herein shown and disclosed indetail are fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing theadvantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that they aremerely illustrative of some of the presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention and that no limitations are intended to the details ofconstruction or design herein shown other than as described in theappended claims.

1. A body support for supporting a user above a support surface, thebody support comprising: a support member that is formed from aresilient material, the support member including (i) a substantiallyflat first surface that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to thesupport surface, (ii) a substantially flat second surface that is angledrelative to the first surface, the second surface being spaced-apartfrom the first surface, wherein one of the first surface and the secondsurface has a continuously curved perimeter.
 2. The body support ofclaim 1 wherein the support member is formed substantially from a memoryfoam material.
 3. The body support of claim 1 wherein the first surfacehas a first surface area and the second surface has a second surfacearea that is substantially similar to the first surface area.
 4. Thebody support of claim 1 wherein the support member is substantiallysymmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that is positioned betweenthe first surface and the second surface.
 5. The body support of claim 1wherein the support member has a maximum height and a minimum height,each height being measured in a direction directly between the secondsurface and the support surface when the first surface is lying flat onthe support surface, the minimum height being at least 50 percent of themaximum height.
 6. The body support of claim 1 wherein the supportmember includes a third surface that extends between the first surfaceand the second surface, the third surface having a substantiallycircular cross-sectional shape.
 7. The body support of claim 1 whereinthe support member includes a third surface that extends between thefirst surface and the second surface, the third surface having asubstantially elliptical cross-sectional shape.
 8. The body support ofclaim 1 wherein the support member includes a third surface that extendsbetween the first surface and the second surface, the third surfacehaving a maximum width and a minimum width, each width being measured ina direction directly between the first surface and the second surface,the minimum width being at least approximately 50 percent of the maximumwidth.
 9. The body support of claim 1 wherein the support memberincludes a third surface that extends between the first surface and thesecond surface, the third surface having a perimeter having a firstregion that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and thesecond surface, and a second region that is non-perpendicular to boththe first surface and the second surface.
 10. The body support of claim1 wherein one of the first surface and the second surface issubstantially elliptical in shape.
 11. The body support of claim 1wherein the first surface and the second surface are each circular inshape.
 12. The body support of claim 1 wherein a cross-section of thesupport member has an isosceles trapezoidal configuration.
 13. The bodysupport of claim 1 wherein the first surface is angled by at leastapproximately 10 percent relative to the second surface.
 14. A bodysupport for supporting a body relative to a support surface, the bodysupport comprising: a support member including (i) a substantially flatfirst surface having a first surface area, (ii) a spaced-apart,substantially flat second surface that is angled relative to the firstsurface, the second surface having a second surface area that issubstantially similar to the first surface area.
 15. The body support ofclaim 14 wherein the support member includes a third surface thatextends between the first surface and the second surface, the thirdsurface having a continuously curved perimeter that includes a firstregion that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and thesecond surface, and a second region that is non-perpendicular to boththe first surface and the second surface.
 16. The body support of claim14 wherein the support member is substantially symmetrical relative to alatitudinal plane that is positioned between the first surface and thesecond surface.
 17. The body support of claim 14 wherein the supportmember has a maximum height and a minimum height, each height beingmeasured in a direction directly between the second surface and thesupport surface when the first surface is lying flat on the supportsurface, the minimum height being at least 50 percent of the maximumheight.
 18. The body support of claim 14 wherein one of the firstsurface and the second surface is substantially elliptical in shape. 19.The body support of claim 14 wherein the first surface and the secondsurface are each circular in shape.
 20. The body support of claim 14wherein a cross-section of the support member has an isoscelestrapezoidal configuration.
 21. A body support for supporting a bodyrelative to a support surface, the body support comprising: a supportmember including (i) a substantially flat first surface, (ii) aspaced-apart, substantially flat second surface that is angled relativeto the first surface, and (iii) a third surface that extends between thefirst surface and the second surface, the third surface including afirst region that is approximately perpendicular to the first surfaceand the second surface, and a second region that is non-perpendicular toboth the first surface and the second surface.
 22. The body support ofclaim 21 wherein the third surface has a continuously curved perimeter.23. The body support of claim 21 wherein one of the first surface andthe second surface is substantially elliptical in shape.
 24. The bodysupport of claim 21 wherein the first surface and the second surface areeach circular in shape.
 25. The body support of claim 21 wherein across-section of the support member has an isosceles trapezoidalconfiguration.
 26. The body support of claim 21 wherein the firstsurface has a first surface area and the second surface has a secondsurface area that is substantially similar to the first surface area.27. The body support of claim 21 wherein the support member issubstantially symmetrical relative to a latitudinal plane that ispositioned between the first surface and the second surface.